HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-2006
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PLANNING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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WASHINGTON
February 27, 2006
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lynn Norman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers located on the first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street,
Auburn, WA. Committee members present were: Member Gene Cerino,
Member Nancy Backus. Also present were Planning and Community
Development Director Paul Krauss, Community Development Administrator
David Osaki, Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Economic
Development Planner AI Hicks, Planner Bill Mandeville, Museum Director
Patricia Cosgrove, Building Division Manager Jim Tinner, Environmental
Protection Manager Aaron Nix, Mayor Pete Lewis and Planning Secretary
Carolyn Brown.
Guests: Human Services Committee members: Marion Thomas, Bill Kyle,
Barbara Derda, Daryl Thompson, Tony Ladner, and Kat Chociej, Jim Rut!.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes of the February 13, 2006 Meeting
Mr. Cerino moved to approve the minutes as read and Ms. Backus
seconded the motion.
Motion approved unanimously. 3-0.
III. ACTION
A. Resolution No. 3990 to adopt the SE of East Main Street Plan was
presented by Mr. Mandeville. Mr. Mandeville stated he received an
inquiry regarding the reference to the Griffiths Skating Post on page 8.
He said the reference to Griffiths Skating Post came from the comments
at the neighborhood meeting. However, nobody seems to know
anything about this particular "skating post". Councilmember Cerino
said it might refer to a store that is no longer in business. Mr.
Mandeville recommended the reference be deleted from the plan.
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Plannin~ & Community Development Committee Minutes
February 27. 2006
Mr. Krauss provided a history of the plan. Staff representatives, City
Council members and the Mayor were present at two neighborhood
meetings. Staff presented an overview of the process at these
meetings, but ultimately the goal was to obtain input from the neighbors
as to the needs of their neighborhood.
Ms Norman added that staff is to be commended for their work. Mr.
Mandeville said the area could be eligible for block grant funds.
Committee members discussed minor revisions including rearranging
some objective statements.
Mr. Cerino moved to approve Resolution No. 3990. Ms.
Backus seconded the motion.
Motion approved unanimously. 3-0.
B. Mr. Mandeville states that the Comprehensive Annual Performance
and Evaluation Report (CAPER) 2005 is ready to be scheduled for a
public hearing. Mr. Mandeville stated he would like the City Council to
hold a public hearing at the March 6 City Council meeting.
After the March 6, 2006 public hearing the PCD Committee will have
a chance to review the report and provide comments at its March 13,
2006 Committee meeting. The CAPER would then be brought forward
for action by the entire City Council at its March 20, 2006 meeting.
The PCD Committee discussed the CAPER's formatting. Mr.
Mandeville stated the report is formatted per the HUD
requirement. Also the document is longer this year staff has
closed out several projects. These project close outs are reflected
within the 2005 CAPER.
Mr. Cerino moved to forward CAPER to the City Council to
call for public hearing and Ms. Backus seconded the
motion.
Motion approved unanimously. 3-0.
C. Acceptance of Funds from Jane Clare Gattavera estate for the Mr. View
Cemetery. Mr. Faber stated that the Parks Department was bequeathed 1/3
of $10,000. With the construction of the new columbarium the funds will be
used toward the landscaping of the area.
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Planninq & Community Development Committee Minutes
February 27. 2006
Mr. Cerino moved the Jane Clare Gattavera bequest
forward to City Council. Ms. Backus seconded the
motion.
Motion approved unanimously. 3-0.
D. Resolution No. 3992 the Concession Agreement with Little League of
Auburn for management of Brannon Park and Sunset Park concession
stands. Mr. Faber noted that this is an annual contract. Volunteers
from the Little League staff the stands. The Little League is a non-profit
group and they use the money for their program.
Mr. Cerino moved to forward Resolution No. 3992 to City
Council. Ms. Backus seconded the motion.
Motion approved unanimously. 3-0.
E. Resolution No. 3993 the Concession Agreement with Optimists Club of
Auburn to operate the concession stand at Game Farm Park. Mr. Faber
noted that the Optimists are a non-profit group and the operation of the
stand provides funds for the organization.
Mr. Cerino moved to forward Resolution No. 3993 to City
Council. Ms. Backus seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously. 3-0
IV. DISCUSSION
A. Mr. Hicks introduced members of the Human Services Committee (HSC)
in attendance for the joint meeting with the PCD Committee.
Mr. Hicks reviewed some of the topics that the HSC has been considering
this year. One of the main topics is the HSC and City Council expectations
for the time frame, feedback, frequency and accountability for an agency
that applies for grant money. Mr. Hicks asked for perspectives that the
PCD Committee has for the HSC.
Mr. Hicks said one question is the time frame in terms of how long it will be
before the City moves to fully implementing a Results Based Accountability
(RBA) approach.
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Plannin~ & Community Development Committee Minutes
Februarv 27. 2006
Ms. Norman added that the Council members will discuss this at the
annual retreat in April. Mayor Lewis stated that now is the time for the HSC
to provide the City Council with recommendations on what it (HSC) feels is
appropriate. Mr. Cerino agreed that this is a very complex change. It is
dealing with complex social problems and defining result statements is
difficult. Ms. Backus added that the metrics are important as is how the
goals will be set.
The committees discussed how the goals will be measured.
Ms. Thompson said the HSC has accepted the process that was set before
them. They realize that this new funding approach will raise sensitive
issues as part of the funding process.
Mr. Kyle said he would like to see a standard criteria and an agency has to
meet the criteria.
Ms. Norman noted this is not a piecemeal process, but one that takes time
from staff and volunteers. Also, Ms. Norman stated that the agencies
should have enough warning that the application process is tightening
and the RBA is stricter. Agencies should see it as a positive rather than as
a negative process.
The committees discussed the need for the agencies to communicate with
each other. Some of the areas under discussion are transitional housing,
and heating assistance.
Ms. Thompson added that it would probably be beneficial to set up a time
for a workshop or meeting for the applicants to come in and learn about
the new RBA approach instead of only mailing out applications.
Mr. Krauss said that staff will be glad to host such an informational
meeting. He noted that not every agency is going to change their methods
and will need more time. It will be a sensitive area to inform agencies that
have a funding history with the City that they now don't meet the RBA
criteria.
Ms. Backus noted that even if the requirement is results based it could be a
percentage. Ms. Norman said the plan is to go with 100% RBA, but the City
is not expecting 100% results in the first year.
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Plannin~ & Community Development Committee Minutes
February 27. 2006
Ms. Thomas noted that some of the smaller agencies, such as Pregnancy
Aid, could have a problem coming up with the staff to comply with the new
procedure. Mr. Cerino said he has noticed a difference in reporting from
agencies that have the staff.
The committees discussed combining the actions of agencies, such as the
meals served through the churches and the Food Bank. Ms. Backus added
cooperative relationships may be as simple as having someone at the
evening meals handing out information about the food bank or a health
care agency.
Ms. Thompson asked about the evaluation process to judge the RBA. Mr.
Hicks said the ultimate question will be: As a community are we any better
off as a result of the funding agencies' actions. An agency that helps an
individual not only with their immediate needs, but also shows them other
agencies or provides support to change the situation they are in could be
successful.
Mr. Krauss said that agencies could be under one roof using a "One stop"
concept. Mr. Krauss added that to secure funding an agency will need to
be accountable. Ms. Norman noted that the process to measure the
accountability and how it is measured will have to be determined.
Chair Norman asked that the HSC consider the results based criteria at its
next meeting. Mr. Mandeville said additional meetings for the HSC to
discuss the new process have been scheduled during the month of March.
After review by staff and Mayor Lewis, the RBA will come back to PCD
Committee.
Ms. Backus asked if the agencies are up for review each year Mr.
Mandeville stated that presently the City is on a two year funding cycle. Ms.
Backus asked if the City is going to consider a range for the results based
expectations. Mr. Krauss added that if there are problems within the two
years, there could be a dialog with the agency to discuss the outcomes.
Mayor Lewis stated that the HSC, PCD Committee, and City Council are
going to consider the results.
It was agreed that the City needs to be very clear as to what the City's
goal/result expectations are and not leave that decision up to the agencies.
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Planninq & Community Development Committee Minutes
February 27, 2006
Ms. Norman asked that Mr. Hicks come back to another PCD Committee
meeting with input from the HS Committee.
B. The information regarding the Inter-local agreement with Washington
State Department of Labor and Industries for electrical inspections was
provided by Mr. Tinner and Mr. Krauss.
Mr. Krauss said that about a year ago the City entered into a contract with
the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). The idea
was to improve the level of service for the City's customers including, as
an example, alleviating delays for contractors. Previously, contactors
had no timely source for appeals or resolution of conflicts. Now builders
are able to call City Hall and talk to Mr. Tinner or Mr. Krauss. The City
wanted a better level of service including a quicker turnaround process for
permits.
Mr. Krauss noted that it was originally envisioned to have a kiosk with a
computer in the lobby area. This would be available to the public to use
for electrical permits, including allowing contractors to make permit
requests. The kiosk and computer work space actually turned out to be
too expensive, so the computer set up is not feasible.
Mr. Tinner added that the State has offered to amend the original
agreement. They are guaranteeing 24 hour turnaround for jobs that are
critical path sensitive if the absence of the inspection could hold up the
progression of the job. This level of service did not exist before. Mr. Krauss
added that another benefit is that L&I will send their inspectors to City staff
meetings and City staff will work with the L&1.
Mr. Tinner stated that the City realized about $45,000 a year in revenue.
There is a surcharge that one or two people have questioned, but overall
when the contractor saves one day through the 24 hour turnaround
requirement it is worth it to him.
C. An update on Olson Farm was presented by Ms. Cosgrove. In 2005 a
$2000 contract was made with Past Future consultants in order to
evaluate the Farm as an educational site. A final report was presented to
the Committee, as the outcome of that study.
Part of the work it entailed was to bring together an interested group of
teachers to tour the Farm. They were asked to consider how school
children would be able to use the Farm as an educational tool. Some of the
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Plannin~ & Community Development Committee Minutes
February 27. 2006
areas considered were what age level is best served, what subject areas of
potential interest are, and how these things might affect the physical
needs of the Farm. After surveying the teachers, it was determined that the
greatest interest would be to secondary teachers. The site interested them
as much for its environmental studies strengths as for its potential as a
heritage education site. Also, the Green River Community College is
interested in the Farm as a study site. This report provides a springboard
to the next phase of work on the Farm.
Ms. Cosgrove introduced the Committee to the planned capital campaign
for the Mary Olson Farm. The goal is to raised the full funding required to
renovate and prepare the site for public use. The full budget is $1.6
millions, with $560,000 already raised. The City has obligated $100,000 in
the CFP for 2007 and again in 2008, bringing the total commitments up to
$740,000. Acquiring appropriations from the County, State and Federal
government will be the next steps in the fund raising effort. The White
River Valley Museum, as the lease holder of the Farm is seeking these
appropriations and is the agency in charge of this capital campaign. It is
hoped that the full amount will be raised by the end of 2008.
Ms. Backus suggested there be a website where people can find out about
the farm and possibly a link that people can use to donate.
Ms. Cosgrove added that a major donation was received from the
McEachern Charitable Trust, of $40,000.
Mr. Faber noted that King County still owns a piece of the property that is
part of the parking lot to the north. Staff is currently working on the
acquisition of the property. Ms. Cosgrove added that the piece is a
historical part of the farm.
Ms. Norman added that there was a good turnout of people for the stream
restoration. Parks and Planning staff have done a good job of partnering
and lining up grants.
D. Low impact development was covered by Mr. Nix. Development is
increasingly going in this direction. Mr. Nix spoke of increased surface
water runoff that comes with the development of property. A typical storm
event will increase the intensity and the discharge rate.
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Planninq & Community Development Committee Minutes
February 27, 2006
Low impact development was designed to mimic a more natural flow from
a site. Instead of one large pond, low impact development might instead
rely on the use of a system of little ponds to help filter runoff.
Mr. Nix added that low impact development does not mean fewer dwelling
units per acre. Mr. Nix stated that it still embraces the density mandated
under the GMA. Mr. Krauss said that it is a way of using engineering and
structure to mimic nature.
It was discussed how developers will need to have some incentives in
order to change the old methods. By using many smaller ponds instead of
one large pond, a developer could possibly salvage a buildable lot.
The PCD Committee discussed the environmental benefits of low impact
development and water quality. Landscaping is a required component and
Mr. Nix noted that street trees can be used as an infiltration source for
water. King County has created an ordinance that applies to all of its
public construction.
The PCD Committee discussed a vegetative roof and how such a treatment
can be put to use. Mr. Nix said he found an organization that has 5 options
with various treatments of a vegetative roof. Mr. Nix added that bio-
detention strips take care of the water and the runoff. Mr. Nix said the AEP
would be an ideal location to use one of these design standards.
E. The noise code regulations were presented by Mr. Osaki. He reminded
the PCD Committee that at their last meeting they discussed the existing
noise ordinance which was adopted in 2002 and revised in 2005. Mr. Osaki
provided the noise ordinances from other jurisdictions. Mr. Osaki has
created a matrix that compares the different cities. Mr. Osaki said the
Municipal Services Committee would like to see the hours from 8 am to 8
pm. He also discussed other recommendations from the Municipal
Services Committee.
Ms. Norman stated the City should allow an exception for emergencies.
Mayor Lewis noted that the Planning Director has the power to make
exception in emergencies.
The PCD Committee discussed the differences in a large development like
the Safeway distribution center, which is not near a residential district and
the in-fill development in an established residential neighborhoods.
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Plannin~ & Community Development Committee Minutes
February 27.2006
Mr. Rutt stated that he has talked to contractors and they said that 90% of
the work is done in an 8 hour shift because overtime is too costly. Most
work will start between 7-8 am and ends between 5-6 pm.
The PCD Committee also discussed home repair or improvements that the
average homeowner might do. Most of that work would be done after 5 pm
or 6 pm during weekdays when the resident comes home from work. There
could be a process for someone to obtain a deviation to work later for a
specific period of time
Mayor Lewis stated that the PCD Committee and staff will need to spend
time to review the noise code. Mr. Krauss added that staff will develop the
wording for the code.
Mr. Osaki said he will meet with the City Attorney and will return to the
March 13 PCD Committee meeting with a draft ordinance.
V. INFORMATION
A. PCDC Status Matrix was discussed.
B. Ms. Norman said she will be at the PCD Committee meeting on
March 13th, but will not be at the March 20th City Council meeting.
Ms. Backus will be gone for the March 13th meeting and Sue
Singer will be in sitting in.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
None
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Planning and Community
Development Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
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